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Bowden House B&B

4.0 star property
History buffs find tranquility at this charming B&B where guests can relax in the picturesque garden or enjoy evening drinks by the lobby's warm fireplace.

Choose dates to view prices

Located near Melrose Abbey, Bowden House B&B provides a peaceful retreat with its cozy lobby fireplace and inviting garden. Travelers can explore nearby Dryburgh Abbey or relax on the terrace where WiFi keeps them connected while they unwind.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is AU$268
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Garden View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Garden View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Garden View

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Memory foam bed
3 bedrooms
  • Garden view
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Garden View

3 bedrooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, memory-foam beds

Deluxe Double Room, Garden View

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Memory foam bed
3 bedrooms
  • Garden view
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Garden View (Rococo Room)

Superior Double Room, Garden View (Rococo Room)

Superior Double Room, Garden View (Rococo Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • Garden view
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the area

Located in Melrose, Bowden House B&B is in a rural area and near a train station. Notable landmarks in the area include Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey, and travellers wishing to experience a bit of culture can try Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom. Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott and Monteviot House are two other places to visit that come recommended. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby. Visit our Melrose travel guide
View more B&B in Melrose
Map
Bowden House, Bowden, Melrose, Scotland, TD6 0ST

What's nearby

  • Melrose Abbey, Melrose
    Melrose Abbey
    6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Dryburgh Abbey, perhaps the most beautiful of all the Scottish border abbeys built on the banks of the river Tweed and home to the graves of one of Scotland's most influential romantic writers Sir Walter Scott, and Field Marshal Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in France for much of WWI.
    Dryburgh Abbey
    9 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Saint Cuthbert's Way
    6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Scott's View
    6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott
    9 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Tweedbank Station
    7 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
    55 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tempest Brewing Co
    10 min drive
  • The Buccleuch Arms
    4 min drive
  • Kings Arms Hotel
    6 min drive
  • Ship Inn
    6 min drive
  • The Salmon Inn
    13 min drive

About this property

Bowden House B&B

Upscale bed & breakfast near Melrose Abbey
Located close to Dryburgh Abbey, Bowden House B&B provides a terrace, a garden and a fireplace in reception. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a bar.
Other perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Breakfast (surcharge), a vegetable garden and multilingual staff
  • A water dispenser, luggage storage and smoke-free property
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and have comforts such as premium bedding, as well as amenities such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • LED light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products
  • Free toiletries and hairdryers
  • Furnished balconies or patios, electric kettles and heating

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Multilingual staff
  • No housekeeping service

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 100% renewable energy
  • 2 floors
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Built in 1815
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • LED lighting
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Bowden House B&B Melrose
Bowden House Melrose
Bowden House
Bowden House B B
Bowden House B&B Melrose
Bowden House B&B Bed & breakfast
Bowden House B&B Bed & breakfast Melrose

Frequently asked questions

Is Bowden House B&B pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Bowden House B&B?

As of 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bowden House B&B on 12 Mar 2026 start from AU$268, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Bowden House B&B?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Bowden House B&B?

Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Bowden House B&B?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bowden House B&B located?

Situated in a rural location, this bed & breakfast is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Melrose Abbey and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Dryburgh Abbey. Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott and Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Reviews

Bowden House B&B Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a wonderful stay at Bowden House. We were looked after so well and the breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hosts and property in scenic Scottish Borders. Excellent breakfast too. Highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

4/10 Poor

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I arrived early because I hadn't read the small print that one couldn't check in until 5pm. I didn't feel welcome so I went away and sat in my car until it was 5pm. My room was freezing. The bathroom was too cold to contemplate having anything but a very short use of the loo. The furniture was creaky old as opposed to vintage chic. I was told not to close the curtains because it would make the room cold. I dont think it could have been any colder. The bed was comfortable. And the breakfast was very good. But all in all it was certainly not worth the £163 for one person for one night.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not much could be improved upon at this beautiful, immaculate, well-organized B&B. Uta was delightful. The room & toilet were lovely, spacious, and wonderfully decorated. The view from our room (and even the toilet!) was one of the grand memories of our trip. Parking was in an enclosed area and spacious. Breakfast was delicious. You won't go wrong here!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our host Uta was absolutely amazing! She made reservations for dinner each night. Her breakfast was made to order. The views were stunning and the terrace is a great place to relax and have a cup of tea. The room was beautiful and made you feel like Royalty.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

KEITH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent host, very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Good sized bedroom and exceptionally large bathroom. Superb breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Home from home

Beautiful house and location, wonderful hosts. A home from home feeling and welcome
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Myrtle

Excellent couldn’t ask for better service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My host, Uta, was extremely warm and welcoming upon my arrival. My son was this me to check in, although not staying at the b&b. She offered coffee and biscuits on their back patio for us, which was lovely. Such a beautiful setting. My room was perfect - nothing was overlooked. Breakfast was amazing too!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An exceptional B&B

A lovely house in a beautiful location. The views from the house are stunning. Uta is a wonderful host and provides an exceptional breakfast. I thoroughly recommend Bowden House.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is tastefully decorated and fitted out with wonderful furniture. The room we had was spacious and very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Two Night Borders Break

Enjoyed our stay at Bowden B&B, Uta was very friendly, excellent breakfast served on the terrace. Would recommend this B&B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gill, Shimpling, Suffolk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment we arrived to be greeted by the most friendly welcome we enjoyed the most wonderful stay at Bowden House in every way. In fact we would consider going to Melrose again just to stay at Bowden House. The most beautiful view from our bedroom in a charming property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Neil&Velma, Guelph, On

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for touring the area. Wonderful spacious room and to order breakfast each morning. Tea on the patio when we arrived and loved the view.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property is quite, comfortable and with superb view. The hosts, Uta and Jason are extremely friendly and helpful. Nothing was too hard for them to do for us. Great suggestions for restaurants. Would stay there any time and we would come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gill, Sunderland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bowden House B&B is a hidden gem, in a beautiful situation with marvellous views. Uta was very welcoming and helpful, a lovely, warm hostess who went out of her way to make our stay relaxed and comfortable. The room and bathroom (brand new) were immaculate and the 19th century house absolutely charming. The weather was warm so we were fortunate to have a delicious breakfast on the terrace. The best place we have stayed and we are keen to return!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful BnB in the Scottish Borders! The view from our room and common areas was stunning and the staff friendly and helpful! Not to mention incredible cooked to order breakfast every morning and sparkling clean space! Excellent value, would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The 7's gets 10 out of 10!

Stylish sophistication in an understated way, both the location and the hosts made this an extremely pleasurable stay. I'm reticent to sing "Bowden's" praises too loudly because - wholly selfishly - I'm rather keen to keep this gem quiet for future visits!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ant, Glasgow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful house. Large comfortable twin-bed room. Generous breakfast. Debit / credit card payment not available. Cheque, BAC / Paypal etc OK.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rosalind

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A night at Bowden House

We could not fault our lovely stay,owners extremely welcoming with attention to detail in our room and throughout our excellent breakfast.we would stay again any time at this beautiful house with its stunning garden and views and it's quiet location,central for visiting The Borders.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

JillandSue, Dallas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Jason and Uta shared their enthusiasm about their community.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

D&P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Scottish Borders Gem

We stayed four nights in July 2018. There is off road parking, we had an ensuite room, and Jason was a gracious host. We used our vehicle to explore the Borders. While walks are close by, guests will need a vehicle if not doing one of the walks. The view from the patio is simply fantastic. There are very good pubs a short drive away.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming B&B

Lovely hostess that made sure we were comfortable. Delicious breakfast with plenty of choices, including haggis for the brave! Comfortable room with a very nice view. Highly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lloyd

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrik

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023